Paulette Marie Marthe Shilling, age ninety-nine, passed away peacefully at McKinney Place on May 18, 2019, surrounded by her loving family. Born February 10, 1920 in Paris, France, she was the daughter of Paul Albert and Marie Charlotte Laudier, and was predeceased by her younger sister, Jacqueline. Paulette met the love of her life, William (Bill) Shilling, an Indiana-native, while he was stationed in Dreux, France towards the end of World War II.
A Master Sergeant with the 397th Bomb Group AAF, Bill returned to Logansport following the war and built Shilling Auto Sales on U.S. 24 West. The two were married in the American Church in Paris in 1948 and boarded the Queen Mary II for their voyage to America. Together they had six children, four of whom reached adulthood.
Bill proceeded her in death and passed away just shy of their thirteenth wedding anniversary in April 1961. Paulette is survived by her children, Mary Frances, William Paul, Richard Lee and Jacqueline Ann, as well as her beloved son-in-law and Jackie’s husband, Anthony Pullano, and cherished granddaughter, Eva Laudier Pullano. In addition to Paulette’s immediate family, she is survived by two first cousins, Jacques Fouquet, Dreux, FR, and Denise Michaud, Melun, FR, and their dear families; her sister-in-law, Lorraine Shilling, Logansport, IN; and nine treasured nieces, nephews, and their families.
She was a wonderful, loving mother and a devoted member of her American family. Paulette enjoyed enduring friendships in Logansport, a city she embraced as her own, and inspired many with her special French enthusiasm for life. Today, her immediate family enjoy close bonds with their French cousins.
Following Dad’s passing, she completed her B.A. at Manchester College and began teaching French in 1966 at Logansport High School (LHS). She then received her Master’s degree from Ball State University in 1971, all while raising four kids and continuing to teach full-time. Known as “The French Teacher,” Paulette taught for twenty-three years at LHS.
Throughout her tenure, she developed a thriving French curriculum, served as the Head of the Foreign Language Department and Advisor to the French Club, and spearheaded numerous student trips to France. Her enthusiasm to share her French language and culture had an enduring impact on her students and all who came to know her. Paulette was a devoted member of the Ninth Street Christian Church now River of Life Christian Church.
She cherished the opportunity to express her love of music, singing in the sanctuary choir under the direction of Carolyn Jamison for more than forty years. She deeply appreciated the support the Church provided when our father passed and the lifelong friendships that began there. Additionally, Paulette served on the Board of the Ninth Street Christian Church.
Her commitment to education extended beyond the classroom. Paulette was an active and elected member of the Indiana Retired Teachers Association, Tourist Club, Logansport Homemakers Club, and served as president of Alpha Delta Kappa Mu International Honorary Teachers sorority, all positions she held for many years with great pride. Paulette’s zest for life and radiant smile will forever be missed by family and friends.
We will always remember her authenticity, wise observations, quiet mind, and graceful movement. We will cherish her bravery and integrity and her warmth and faithful ways will always be with us as we keep her spirit alive on behalf of her legacy. The celebration of life will be held at 11am Thursday, May 23rd, in the Gundrum Funeral Home with Dr. Sam Young and the Rev.
Betsy Arnold officiating. A lunch will follow at the River of Life Christian Church. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 22nd, and one hour prior to the service on Thursday.
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